Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a consistent feel during their sessions. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects further enhance the overall experience, appealing to those who value aesthetics as much as functionality. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out as a silent switch designed for ultimate comfort and discretion. With an ultra-light actuation, it minimizes fatigue during prolonged use, making it an ideal option for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts with different focuses—smoothness versus silence—they each bring unique qualities to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs most effectively.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Light Sakura share a significant similarity in their top housing, both constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material in the top housing leads to a distinctively sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and translucency, allowing for a clear and resonant sound when keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, particularly for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through effectively. Users can expect an improved sound clarity and brightness in illumination due to this shared material, resulting in similar auditory experiences during operation.

However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly in their materials, contributing to contrasting sound profiles. The Jupiter Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the sharper sound profile found in its top housing. This difference means that while both switches may share similarities in the sound of the key release due to their polycarbonate tops, the bottom-out experience will differ substantially. The nylon used by the Jupiter Red will create a more rounded sound when the key is fully pressed, whereas the polycarbonate bottom of the Light Sakura will maintain a crisper sound, creating a unique essence for each.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials leads to differing auditory responses when typing. The Jupiter Red’s nylon bottom provides a softer, warmer finish, ideal for gamers or typists who favor a muted acoustic output. Conversely, the Light Sakura's dual polycarbonate construction allows for a consistently sharp sound profile throughout the keystroke, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, even though both switches capitalize on the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, the contrasting materials used for the bottom housings distinctly influence the overall sound and feel, resulting in unique typing experiences for users.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Gateron Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium weight option. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura will generally require less effort to register a keystroke, making it ideal for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Red provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Thus, while both switches have unique characteristics, the Jupiter Red is the heavier option, and the Light Sakura is the lighter choice.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch exhibit contrasting travel distances, with the Jupiter Red measuring 4 mm and the Light Sakura at 3.6 mm. The Jupiter Red's 4 mm travel distance aligns with the most traditional range, providing a more pronounced feeling with each key press. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who may prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers seeking immediate feedback. While both switches offer a satisfying experience, if you lean towards a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron Jupiter Red would be the ideal choice. Conversely, for users prioritizing responsiveness and speed, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the key difference lies in their travel lengths, making choice dependent on personal preference for either depth or swift action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force that makes it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in the office. This quality allows it to blend seamlessly into different environments, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is a silent switch designed specifically for discretion, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience. While the Jupiter Red tends to carry a mild sound due to its characteristics, the Light Sakura takes it a step further by emphasizing silence, making it even more office-friendly.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red excels with a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience that results from high-quality materials and potentially factory lubrication. This smooth and refined finish minimizes friction, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke while offering a mild and gentle typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Light Sakura switch is described as ultra-light and comfortable, designed for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its emphasis on a gentle typing experience may not match the polished feel of the Jupiter Red but achieves similar comfort through its lightweight design.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Light Sakura switches cater to users seeking comfort and a pleasant typing experience, albeit in different ways. The Jupiter Red offers a smooth and polished feel with a neutral sound, suitable for varied environments, while the Light Sakura focuses on silence and lightness for discreet use. Ultimately, whether you prefer the silky glide of the Jupiter Red or the ultra-light touch of the Light Sakura, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches should be guided by your personal preferences and specific typing conditions. If you prefer a switch that offers a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, then the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a smooth and polished feel during typing. This switch will provide you with a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke ideal for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter, more fatigue-reducing option with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, the Light Sakura is the way to go. Its ultra-light feel and quiet operation make it perfect for extended typing sessions and shared spaces where noise may be an issue. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a more substantial, satisfying keystroke or a softer, discreet typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more